IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 15: Hope for the revival of a popular government in Manipur has brightened after senior BJP leaders from the Centre assured that steps are underway to restore an elected government soon.
Addressing the gathering during Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas at Rani Gaidinliu Park, Imphal, on Saturday, Manipur unit BJP president A. Sharda Devi revealed that the party’s National General Secretary (Organisation), B.L. Santosh and Northeast in-charge of the party, Sambit Patra, during their recent three-day visit to the state, gave “full assurance” that a new popular government would be formed at the earliest.
“The voice of the people of Manipur is for the return of a popular government. The two BJP national leaders have assured us that the Centre is taking steps to make it happen soon,” Sharda Devi said at the event organised by the BJP ST Morcha, Manipur Pradesh, to mark the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
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Manipur has remained under President’s Rule since February 13 this year, after N. Biren Singh resigned as chief minister on February 9, leading to the placing of the state assembly under suspended animation. The prolonged political vacuum comes against the backdrop of the ethnic unrest that erupted on May 3, 2023, claiming over 260 lives and displacing more than 60,000 people from the Meitei and Kuki communities.
During their visit a few days ago, the two BJP central leaders held separate meetings with party MLAs belonging to both Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The BJP currently holds 32 of the 59 active seats in the state assembly.
Meanwhile, BJP Manipur vice president Ch. Chidananda, speaking at the party office on Saturday, said the BJP’s victory in the Bihar elections reflects the weakening of the Congress’s national campaign, suggesting that a similar trend could influence Manipur’s 2027 assembly elections.